DfBB comment: Safe loading and the rules for vans

Driving for Better Business advises on how fleets can ensure drivers understand how to load their vans safely.

Even if the vehicle is properly loaded at the start of the shift, potholes, speed humps and uneven road surfaces can cause loads to shift

Unsafe loads on vehicles injure more than 1,200 people a year and cost UK businesses millions of pounds in damaged goods. While most HGV fleet operators are well aware of the tight regulations and the penalties for cutting corners, it is not widely known that the same rules on load safety apply to all vehicles.

The most common problems are inadequate – or a total lack of – risk assessment, and worn out or wrong load securing kit, according to the HSE.

It is an offence to use any vehicle or trailer on a road if it involves a danger of injury to any person. This includes any situations where the weight, position or distribution of a load – or how it is secured – involves this danger. The offence can be committed not only by the driver but by anyone who causes or permits this, which may be the business. The penalty now is an unlimited fine.

As an employer, remember that the van or vehicle is also the workplace, and you have legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act. There is also legislation to protect anyone who works for you – and anyone who could be at risk because of your work. If you don’t load your vehicle properly, the load could slide, topple over or bounce out. Even if the vehicle is properly loaded at the start of the shift, potholes, speed humps and uneven road surfaces can cause loads to shift. As a result, each delivery will change the distribution of weight, affecting the vehicle’s braking and steering over time.

Tippers and open-topped trucks are the vehicles most likely to have insecure loads. Often, the main cargo is stowed securely, then loose equipment such as tools, thrown in afterwards. Items need to be properly sheeted and tied down so they can’t bounce out. Don’t assume that the sides by themselves will stop the load from coming out.

Check straps for wear and tear. They can also be damaged if they get wet or come into contact with oils, solvents or rock salt.

Overloading is a common problem with vans and small trucks, so make sure your drivers know the weight limits of each vehicle as they can vary from one to another. We know of one driver, pulled over by police, who confidently believed that the 3.5-tonne rating meant that the 3-tonne load was legal.

Four ways fleet managers can manage safe loading:

Make sure your employees understand the need to secure loads.
Ensure you have an effective safe loading training programme for your drivers.
To help your drivers, Driving for Better Business has a huge range of free material on safe loading. By signing up to the Van Driver Toolkit you can find toolbox talks on loading as well as driver information cards that can be downloaded.
Share our safe loading resources with your drivers.